Storm, Lightning and Heavy Rain Kill 89 in Uttar Pradesh; CM Yogi Orders Urgent Relief Measures

Lucknow — At least 89 people lost their lives and 53 others were injured after severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and lightning strikes swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, officials said.

The extreme weather also caused extensive damage to homes, crops and livestock across the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took stock of the situation and directed officials to immediately launch relief and rescue operations in the affected districts.

Expressing grief over the deaths, the Chief Minister instructed district authorities to quickly provide compensation and assistance to the families of the victims. He also ordered District Magistrates and other officials to conduct on-ground surveys on priority to assess losses related to human lives, livestock and crops.

The Chief Minister further asked all districts to submit situation reports every three hours and directed officials to regularly share updates on relief work and compensation distribution through social media platforms.

According to the Relief Commissioner’s Office, the severe weather also led to the death of 114 animals and damaged at least 87 houses across the state. Officials said the situation is being monitored continuously through direct coordination with district administrations, while necessary funds are being released for relief operations.

Among the worst-hit districts, Prayagraj recorded the highest number of deaths at 21, followed by Sant Ravidas Nagar with 14 fatalities and Fatehpur with 11 deaths. Fatalities were also reported from districts including Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi and Unnao.

Additional District Magistrate Vineeta Singh said strong winds and a severe storm caused widespread destruction in Prayagraj on Wednesday evening.

“Initially, 17 deaths were reported in Prayagraj, but the number later rose to 21 during the night. Revenue officials and district administration teams immediately reached the affected areas and carried out necessary procedures. Compensation will be provided promptly after documentation is completed,” she said.

Fatehpur District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats said the death toll in the district had risen to 11, while 15 people sustained serious injuries. She added that rescue and relief operations were continuing across affected areas.

The storm uprooted trees, damaged houses and triggered wall collapse incidents in several districts, while multiple lightning strike cases were also reported from different parts of the state.

With inputs from IANS